The Southern Crescent Lightning professional men's basketball team will be back at Starr's Mill High School for a four-game home stand starting Sunday, May 29 at 2pm. The team is currenlty 7-3 and in first place in the Eastern Division of the WBA. The last game was a 109 – 102 win in Macon on Sunday, May 15. The team was led by Dajan Smith's 26 points and Marcus Taylor's 25. Xavier Oliver added 12 rebounds and 6 blocked shots.

The Southern Crescent e Southern Crescent Lightning is the reigning World Basketball Association (WBA) champion and plays a 24 game season from April 22 nd to June 25 th. For more information about upcoming games and promotions, check out www.wbalightning.com and come out for some great family entertainment.

By Kevin Duffy, Staff
Recreation-rich Peachtree City might get richer.
T.J. and Todd Hannon, owners of the minor league basketball team the Southern Crescent Lightning, have contracted to buy 49 acres to build a 3,000-seat arena and a baseball training facility. The site is across from the city's baseball and soccer complex on Ga. 74 South. The city Planning Commission is scheduled to vote Monday on the conceptual design. Besides being home to the Lightning --- which now plays at Starr's Mill High School --- the complex would provide training for teenagers serious about baseball. There's no such facility on the Southside, T.J. Hannon said. The arena also could host concerts and cheerleading competitions, he said. Another part of the mix might be a sports therapy and fitness facility. The business plan is incomplete, Hannon said, so it's not certain the project makes financial sense. "It looks great on paper," he said. "Are we going to be able to make it work?" The Thomas C. Hannon Foundation has contracted to buy the land from Pathway Communities. The deadline for closing the deal is the end of May, Hannon said. The project would not require rezoning --- it's zoned general industrial --- so it doesn't have to go before the City Council, according to Clyde Stricklin, the city's director of developmental services. Mayor Steve Brown said the athletic complex could be an economic windfall. "I really see that as being a huge attraction for the city," Brown said. "I think it could be millions of dollars in terms of revenues to our local hotels and businesses."

Councilman Steve Rapson said, "It seems like it follows part of the Peachtree City creed, which is first-class recreational amenities."

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Although it's still in the planning stages, Peachtree City may get a sports training complex, complete with a 3,000 seat arena that would become the home of the Peachtree City Lightning pro basketball team.

The complex, which would offer sports medicine capabilities, multi-purpose areas indoors for a variety of sports and a baseball field for young teens, would be built across the road from the city’s Baseball and Soccer Complex on Ga. Highway 74 South.

T.J. Hannon, who owns the Lightning with his brother, said some details are still being ironed out, but the idea was very well-received by the Peachtree City Planning Commission, which heard Hannon’s presentation Monday night in a workshop session.

Hannon said he was looking forward to offering a facility that could provide a needed service to the city. Hannon particularly wants to provide a place for kids ages 13-16 to train for baseball, and he hopes the proposed Thomas Charles Hannon Sports Complex — named after his father — would “help put the city on the map” for baseball training.

Hannon was a significant benefactor of the Fayette Field of Hope, a baseball field specially designed for players who are handicapped and must use walkers and wheelchairs.

In addition to the arena and a baseball field in the first phase, the Hannons also plan to build an artificial turf infield. Three other fields would be added in a second phase, and Hannon is also hopeful he can donate some land to a group that would build a competitive swimming facility on the property.

Also in the plans are a sports therapy and fitness center. Hannon noted that the plans may change somewhat as they try to create the right mix of offerings to make the facility at least break even.

The arena could also host concerts in addition to basketball games, but city officials have been told the concerts offered would not conflict with the Summer Concert Series offered by the city’s amphitheater. The arena’s concerts would be held indoors.

The other noise concern raised at the commission meeting was for the public address system of the main baseball field that will be part of the first phase of development. Hannon said it wouldn’t be a problem to design the PA system to broadcast towards the highway and away from nearby neighborhoods on the south side of the city.

Two of the three entrances to the 50-acre site would align with the entrances to the city’s baseball and soccer complex across the road. The third proposed entrance is near the northern end of the property.

Bill Foley of Foley Design Associates said the entrances and other issues could be fleshed out further after traffic studies are done for the site.

In a very moving ceremony at half time during last night's Southern
Crescent Lightning Basketball's third game of the season, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A accepted the keys for two 15 passenger vans from the team's owners Todd and TJ Hannon.

The two vans were donated by The Thomas Hannon Foundation, in honor of the Hannon's late father Thomas C. Hannon, and presented to the WinShape Foundation, a non-profit organization of Chick-fil-A, Inc. and its founder S.Truett Cathy.

Truett Cathy's children's needs of growth and education are met through funds provided by the state and by the WinShape Foundation which was established by Cathy in 1984. There are now eleven WinShape Homes; located in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and one in Brazil.

Todd and TJ Hannon's, owners of the Southern Crescent Lightning, sole purpose of purchasing the team was to bring another form of family entertainment to this city and surrounding communities. They are taking no salaries and have vowed to give all the profits from this venture back to area recreation and school athletic programs. To show their commitment to these ideals, they have already made several donations to area schools for such projects as gym floor refinishing, speaker system repair and gym insignia. They have also pledged to provide basketballs for the PTC Youth Basketball Association next season (150 basketballs).

Basketball leagues like the World Basketball Association are designed to give young basketball players the opportunity to develop their skills so they have a chance to reach their ultimate goal of playing in the NBA. The Southern Crescent Lightning ownership and staff is committed to doing all that we can to help make that dream come true for our players.

The Hannon brothers are also doing everything they can to make the Southern Crescent Lightning Professional Men's Basketball a "community" team. Our coach and payers will be giving FREE basketball clinics at several locations, including Kedron Field House on May 14th. "We have kept our ticket prices very low so entire families can enjoy a game without any financial burden. Our dance team is made up of local women who have danced on Starr's Mill or McIntosh High School dance teams and our halftime entertainment will primarily be from the local area" said Todd Hannon.

Come support your team the "Southern Crescent Lightning Basketball".

Councilmember Kenny Ruffin, of Riverdale, WINS First Prize during the Southern Crescent Lightning Men's Professional Basketball's season kick-off.

Councilmember Kenny Ruffin participated in a Shooting Contest held during half time of the first game on Friday, April 22nd. This was the first of 12 home games being played this season by the Southern Crescent Lightning Men's Professional Basketball Team in Fayette County.

Councilmembeer Kenny Ruffin won the First Cash Prize of $500 to use toward "Youth Athletic Sports" in his area, Riverdale.

The other contendors were, Mayor Ken Steel of Faytteville who won Third Place with a cash win of $250 and Mayor Steve Brown of Peachtree City who won Second Place with a cash prize also of $250 to also use toward "Youth Atletic Sports" in their respective areas.

The Southern Crescent Lightning Professional Basketball Team's commitment is to benefit the youth in our community. The Hannon Brothers, Todd and TJ, have already vowed publicly in March 2005 that they were taking  NO salary, but, all profits were to be given back to Youth Athletic Sports in the community.

Fayetteville Mayor Ken Steel, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown and Riverdale Councilmember Kenneth Ruffin are to participate in a three point shooting contest to be held at the Southern Crescent Lightning's (Men's Professional Basketball) first game on Friday April 22nd at 7 p.m. to kick-off the teams season being held at Starr's Mill High School in Fayette County.

There will be cash prizes for the winners which will be used to benefit youth sports in the players' areas. This benefit is in keeping with the Southern Crescent Lightning's' commitment to give back to the community.

Todd and TJ Hannon owners of the WBA team Southern Crescent Light have publicly stated "We want to bring family entertainment to Peachtree City." The brothers are promising to get a larger part of the community interested in the team this year and vowing to not take a salary. Instead, proceeds will go directly back into the community with local high schools and youth programs receiving money. The Hannon’s goal is to get between 1,500 and 1,700 fans in the stands at each home game and they expect to hit those numbers by getting the community to rally around the team.

1st. Place Winner's Cash Prize $500

2nd. & 3rd. Place Winners Cash Prize $250 each.

Professional Basketball Team Southern Crescent Lightning, based in Fayette County, Georgia, donates two 15 passenger Ford Vans to charity during their season's second game on April 26th.

Todd Hannon and TJ Hannon, owners of the WBA Southern Crescent Lightning Basketball Team, will present the two Ford vans (donated by The Thomas Hannon Foundation) at half time to: S. Truett Cathy, Founder and Chairman Chick-Fil-A, Inc., for his Winshape Center Foundation on April 26th at 7 p.m.

This donation is in keeping with the teams commitment to benefit the youth in our community. The Hannon Brothers, Todd and TJ, have already vowed publicly in March 2005 that they were taking NO salary, but, all profits were to be given back to the community.

Truett first opened his heart and home to children more than 30 years ago. Since then, his desire to inspire young people has continued to grow. Driven by this interest in the growth and education of young people, Truett established the WinShape Centre® Foundation, Inc., in 1984 with the goal: to help “shape winners.” The Foundation supports a variety of programs, including a long-term foster care program, a summer camp for nearly 1,700 kids each year, a scholarship program in conjunction with Rome, Ga.- based Berry College, and marriage enrichment retreats.

The SCL Basketball's 12 home games wil be held at Starr's Mill High School, Fayette County, Georgia. 

Game Schedule available on line at www.wbalightning.com

Tickets Available to Purchase NOW On-Line At:
www.WBALightning.com
World Gyms in Fayette County
Velocity Sports Performance in Peachtree City
At the gate on the day of the games

COME MEET
 SOUTHERN CRESCENT LIGHTNING coach
Ricky Benitez
 at "Hoops Hysteria" Sat. March, 26th
Corporate partner, Velocity Sports Performance,
along with The Peachtree City Youth Council
have teamed up to present a fun event for boys & girls ages 9 - 18.
The event will include a Free Throw contest, 3-Point Hotshot, Ball Handling, Obstacle Course Dribbling
and Slam Dunk Challenge.
Yes, the basket will be lowered !
Coach Benitez will be one of the judges and
Lightning tickets
and T-shirts will be available for purchase.

Girls 8:30 - 11:30 AM            Boys 12:30 - 3:30 PM

To register, call VSP at 770-632-5432
or go to www.velocitysp.com/ptc

Dance team for WBA’s Lightning selected

The 2005 Thunder Girls Dance team for the Southern Crescent Lightning is comprised of eleven women ages 18-24 from the Fayette County area. Each dance team member has had years of dance training and experience, including national affiliations such as The American Ballet Theater, The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, The Atlanta Ballet, The dance program at the University of Georgia, The “Golden Girls” Dance Team of Florida State University, The Eagle Elite Dance Team of Emory University and The Professional Company of Georgia Dance Theater in Peachtree City. 

These eleven women auditioned and were selected by coach and director Nichole O’Brien. O’Brien selected the girls based on dance technique and experience. These women are currently attending or have graduated from either Starr’s Mill or McIntosh High School. 

Congratulations to Erin Bozard, Kathryn Clark, Ashley Cerame, Ashley Grayson, Allie Hunter, Erin Perez, Jenny Reynolds, Jenna Santamaria, Morgan Tuggle, Laurel Edge and Coach O’Brien for being selected for the 2005 Thunder Girls dance team.

Ricky Benitez is the General Manager and Head Coach for the Southern Crescent Lightning basketball team. Benitez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 7th, 1965 and moved to the United States in 1974 at the age of nine. He played basketball and baseball in Tampa and was nominated for the All Century Team in Tampa Bay as an athlete in baseball and basketball and also as a coach in basketball. Benitez has five years of professional coaching experience as a head coach in the ABA, USBL and the WBA and has also coached in Venezuela.   

Benitez resides in Tampa with wife Melinda and son Nicolas. He also has an older son, Ricky Jr.

The following players have been signed for the 2005 season:

Chris Bacon - 6'9", Small Forward/Power Forward

Bobby Brown - 6'7" Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Jonathan Hargett - 6'0" Point Guard/Shooting Guard

Marcus Taylor - 6'3", Point Guard

Xavier Oliver - 6'7" Small Forward/Power Forward

Alvin Pettway - 6'9" Power Forward/Center

Shawn Ward - 6'5" Shooting Guard/Small Forward

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Last Friday, members of the World Basketball Association gathered at Peachtree City City Hall to announce and introduce the new owners and coach of the Southern Crescent Lightning. The team won the WBA Championship last year and the new owners, brothers and Peachtree City residents T.J. and Todd Hannon, and coach Ricky Benitez vowed to bring back the title this season.

The WBA is a development league and their goal is to prepare athletes for a possible entrance into the NBA or other basketball leagues including the ABA, CBA or international play. Though only one player from the league made the NBA this season, the Lightning’s assistant coach last year, Travis Williams, is now a head coach for Fort Valley State University. The roster for the team will not be announced until after the league’s annual draft but Todd Hannon is hoping to sign several players from last year’s squad.

This will be the second season of play for the WBA and founder Leroy McMath stated that the league is heading in the right direction.

“In the first year of a new league, everybody counts you out,” said McMath. ‘We surprised everybody.”

In addition to hearing from McMath and former NBA player and head coach of the Macon Blaze Wes Matthews, Mike “Stinger” Glenn, the WBA commissioner addressed the crowd stating that the players and teams were expected to become a part of the community and have a positive impact. The Hannons are expecting that too, promising to get a larger part of the community interested in the team this year and vowing to not take a salary. Instead, proceeds will go directly back into the community with local high schools and youth programs receiving money. The Hannon’s goal is to get between 1,500 and 1,700 fans in the stands at each home game and they expect to hit those numbers by getting the community to rally around the team.

Coach Benitez exhibits the same type of passion for the team and the community. Last season, Benitez coached the Jackson Rage and though he has large shoes to fill, he is looking forward to the opportunity.

“ I am up to the challenge and we will bring the championship back here,” said Benitez. The Lightning will be working out numerous athletes leading up to the draft. A roster is expected to be announced in early April and the first home game is April 22 at 7 p.m. against the Carolina Heat. All games will be played at Starr’s Mill High School.

By Shaun Payne
Fayette Neighbor Sports Editor

Peachtree City's World Basketball Association team, the Southern Crescent Lightning, will play under new ownership and a new coach and general manager in 2005.

"This will be a team owned by the community," said T.J. Hannon, who will own the team along with his brother Todd Hannon.

Both Todd and T.J. worked in the family ATM business until the family sold the business in 2004. At the time of the sale, Hanco ATM Systems was the largest independent supplier of ATMs in Europe. Now they hope the WBA and the Southern Crescent Lightning will have as much success in the sports arena.

T.J. said he wants to model the Lightning after one of his favorite sports franchises, the Green Bay Packers, which is community owned.

"We have to have the community say, 'this is our team,'" said Todd. "We'll give clinics and travel to schools. We're looking forward to all the support of the community."

The Lightning finished second in the seven-team league at 16-6 last season, and went on to win the inaugural WBA Championship under Coach Litterial Green, the 2004 WBA Coach of the Year. This year they will have a new coach, Ricky Benitez.

Benitez, 39, is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has coached several high school, college and minor league teams.

"I feel I'm up to the challenge," said Benitez. "I will bring the championship back to Peachtree City and to the Hannon brothers."

Southern Crescent will open its home schedule Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. against the Carolina Heat. Tickets are $6; children 5 and younger get in free. The Lightning play at the Starr's Mill High School Complex in Peachtree City.

The WBA is a professional minor league with teams throughout the country in communities that may not otherwise see professional basketball, such as Raleigh, N.C., Cleveland, Tenn., and Little Rock, Ark.

For more information on the WBA, visit www.wbaball.net. For more information on the Southern Crescent Lightning, visit www.wbalightning.com.

By Lee Coleman

Professional basketball is back in Peachtree City.

In last week's meeting of the Peachtree City City Council, Leisure Services Director Randy Gaddo addressed the council to consider approval of a Kedron user fee for the Southern Crescent Lightning professional basketball team of the World Basketball Association. Gaddo said the team would use one court at Kedron for practices during April, May and June. The first practice is scheduled for April 8.

Practices will be held three to five times a week, two hours per practice, depending on the game schedule. Practices will be held from 9am - 11am.

The new owner, Todd Hannon, will pay $1,000 to use the facility and would also provide free basketball clinics for youth. The team would provide two weekend clinics of two hours each, and four one-hour clinics to be held prior to team practice after school is out.

The Lightning will be playing their home games at Starr's Mill High School beginning Friday, April 22 at 7pm against Carolina.

The matter will be on the consent agenda at the council's next meeting.

By W.A. Bridges, Jr.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Fayette Edition
Published on: 02/17/05

Ricky Benitez has been named head coach and general manager of the Southern Crescent Lightning, Peachtree City's minor league basketball team.

A native of Puerto Rico, Benitez has five years of professional coaching experience, including positions with the ABA, the USBL and the WBA. Most recently, he was general manager of the Jackson Rage, another WBA team.

T.J. Hannon, who owns the Lightning with his brother, Todd, said of all the coaching candidates they interviewed, Benitez came across as the most passionate about the game.

This is the second year the Lightning has played. Litterial Green was coach last year.

The Hannons will hold a news conference at 11am Friday at City Hall to outline detials about the team, including plans to donate all profits to area high school athletic departments and the Kedron Fieldhouse, where the team will practice.

Tonight the Peachtree City City Council will discuss a use rfee for the Lightning's use of the field house. The meeting starts at 7pm at City Hall.

By DONNA SOPER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/10/05

Two Peachtree City businessmen bought the city's minor league developmental basketball team on Feb. 1, just three months shy of the season opener April 22.

Brothers Todd and T.J. Hannon formed Hannon Brothers Sports Entertainment and paid a $50,000 franchise fee to the Atlanta-based World Basketball Association to become owners of the Southern Crescent Lightning, which debuted in Peachtree City last year.

The league had the franchise to sell, and we were looking for business opportunities," said Todd Hannon. "We want to bring family entertainment to Peachtree City." The brothers, neither of whom are taking a salary, have vowed to donate all proceeds from the team to local community youth sports leagues.

The Lightning, which won the league championship in 2004, previously was owned by Ed Harris.

Peachtree City resident Bryan Clark is vice president of basketball operations. The Hannons hope to name a coach this week and then settle on a roster.

The Hannon brothers, both Fayette County residents, owned ATM distribution company Hanco Systems Inc., which sold off its U.S. operation in 2002 to eFunds and its European counterpart last June to the Royal Bank of Scotland. The two still own a 26,000-square-foot building at 401 Westpark Court in Peachtree City, which will serve as the Lightning's new headquarters.

The brothers said they hope to raise more local awareness of the Lightning and are counting on increased fan and business support. In 2004, attendance averaged only 300 per game. This year, the co-owners hope to draw between 1,500 to 2,000 spectators for the 12 home games at the Starr's Mill High School gymnasium.

The Lightning is scheduled to play its first game April 22 against Carolina at Starr's Mill. Tickets are $6 per person, but discounted season tickets are available.

The WBA began last year with the intent of developing professional basketball players with five years or less experience and exposing them to national and international league scouts. The Lightning is one of four teams in the WBA's Eastern Conference, which also includes teams in Macon, Raleigh and Greenville.